AUDIO SAMPLES

Won Whi Choi

Tenor

Currently in his final seasons as a festival artist at Theater Erfurt in Germany, Won Whi Choi has been busy captivating and thrilling audiences worldwide with his lustrous and ringing voice, elegant musicianship, and sensitive artistry. While in Erfurt, Mr. Choi sang the roles of Il Duca in Rigoletto, Don José in Carmen, Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, Don José in Carmen, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, Hyllus in Hercules, Andres in Wozzeck, Il Cantatore in Giulietta e Romeo, Prince Sou Chong in Lehár’s Das Land des Lächelns. Choi was praised for his portrayal of Rodolfo in La bohème and his “big, virile sound that rocketed fearlessly up to a high C, so secure he dared to run across the stage while holding the note,” by The New York Observer. This season, he performs the roles of Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, and Philipp von Hohenstaufen in Agnes von Hohenstaufen with Theater Erfurt, and returns to The Metropolitan Opera for L’elisir d’amore and Così fan tutte.

La bohème – “Most spectacular was tenor Won Whi Choi as the poet Rodolfo, unfurling a big, virile sound that rocketed fearlessly up to a high C so secure he dared to run across the stage while holding the note.” – New York Spectacular

…strapping and sexy…

Rigoletto – “South Korean raised tenor Choi made for a strapping and sexy Duke of Mantua, which makes it more believable that women would so willingly fall for his charms, and sacrifice themselves for his life. His soaring tenor easily and fearlessly reached the high Bs in La donna è mobile, one of the most known arias in the operatic canon.” – Idaho Statesman

…absolutely perfect…

La bohème – “How do I write a critique that would realistically assess the role of the tenor, the Korean Won Whi Choi? His singing was far above all other protagonists in this cast musically, artistically and dramatically. Won Whi Choi as Rodolfo sang his famous aria, with joyful accents excited enthusiasm and noble, pure lilting melodies (with striking vocal line and effortless voice climbing to a high C). Won Whi Choi’s performance was absolutely perfect, far above all other artists showcasing his excellent legato phrasing. The range of voice was remarkable! His performance consisted of high notes that were strongly developed, dynamic contrasts, great diction and vocal coloring as well as world class phrasing and dynamic shading. Such tenors are difficult to imagine we will experience on stage performing for us.” – Glas Slavinije

Currently in his final seasons as a festival artist at Theater Erfurt in Germany, Won Whi Choi has been busy captivating and thrilling audiences worldwide with his lustrous and ringing voice, elegant musicianship, and sensitive artistry. While in Erfurt, Mr. Choi sang the roles of Il Duca in Rigoletto, Don José in Carmen, Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, Don José in Carmen, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, Hyllus in Hercules, Andres in Wozzeck, Il Cantatore in Giulietta e Romeo, Prince Sou Chong in Lehár’s Das Land des Lächelns. Choi was praised for his portrayal of Rodolfo in La bohème and his “big, virile sound that rocketed fearlessly up to a high C, so secure he dared to run across the stage while holding the note,” by The New York Observer.

This season, he performs the roles of Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, and Philipp von Hohenstaufen in Agnes von Hohenstaufen with Theater Erfurt, and returns to The Metropolitan Opera for L’elisir d’amore and Così fan tutte.

Recent seasons engagements include a role début as Arcadio in Florencia en el Amazonas with New York City Opera; Rodolfo in La bohème in débuts with Croatian National Theatre in Osijek, Lyric Opera of Virginia and El Paso Opera; Prince Sou-Chong in Franz Lehar’s Das Land des Lächelns in a début with Hong Kong Opera and with Theater Erfurt; Ruggero in La rondine at Skylark Opera; Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor with Opera in Williamsburg; Chevalier in Dialogues des Carméliteswith Mannes Opera Theatre; Alfredo in La traviatafor Mannes Opera Theatre and Opera på Skäret in Sweden; the title role in Les contes d’Hoffmann with the Martina Arroyo Foundation; and Il Duca in Rigolettoat Opera Idaho, where critics raved: “Choi made for a strapping and sexy Duke of Mantua, which makes it more believable that women would so willingly fall for his charms, and sacrifice themselves for his life. His soaring tenor easily and fearlessly reached the high Bs in ‘La donna è mobile,’ one of the most known arias in the operatic canon.”

Mr. Choi is emerging as a concert artist to watch after his performance of Händel’sMessiah with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The Winnipeg Free Presshailed: “Won Whi Choi asserted his booming presence immediately with his opening recitative ‘Comfort ye my people’ followed by aria ‘Ev’ry valley shall be exalted.’ Demonstrating a remarkable vocal strength…the singer responded ably to the composer’s many virtuosic runs while also displaying an equally impressive dynamic range.” Recently, he also sang in an opera gala at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall in Shanghai, China, to great critical acclaim.

Mr. Choi’s interpretation of Rodolfo in La bohèmegarners acclaim on every stage he graces. From his performance in Croatia, Glas Slavinije wrote: “Won Whi Choi as Rodolfo sang his famous aria, with joyful accents excited enthusiasm and nobility, with pure lilting melodies and striking vocal line, effortlessly climbing to a high C. Choi’s performance was absolutely perfect, showcasing his excellent legato phrasing. The range of voice was remarkable! His performance consisted of high notes that were strongly developed, dynamic contrasts, great diction, vocal coloring, combined with world class phrasing and dynamic shading.”

Mr. Choi was one of eight finalists at the Montreal International Musical Competition in 2012. He holds a Professional Studies Diploma and a Master of Music Degree from Mannes College of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Korean National University of the Arts.